Ilex – Castle Wall^® – Blue Holly – Ilex x meserveae

Dead-Heading Not Necessary

Fall Interest

Winter Interest

Maintenance Notes

Castle Wall® holly is a male variety that does not get fruit but will serve to pollinate female varieties, like Castle Spire® and Pharos Gold™ holly. One male will pollinate up to 5 females. Plant within 50'/15.25m of each other to ensure pollination.

Male holly like Castle Wall may be pruned after flowering if desired, but its natural columnar habit should need little trimming.

Holly prefers acidic soils with average moisture and appreciates a good layer of mulch. If desired, apply a granular fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs in early spring.

Uses Notes

Broad columnar shrub that is great as a foundation, specimen or hedge plant. Good in groupings and mass plantings. Makes a good screen. Good for winter gardens.

Maintenance Category Easy

Water Category Average

Blooms On Old Wood

Bloom Time

Flower Form Landscape, Specimen or Focal Point

pH B - pH 5.8 - 6.2

EC (2:1 Extraction Method) 0.6 - 0.9

Fertilization 150 - 300

Light Requirements Medium, High

Water Requirements Dry to Moderate

Rooting Out Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit

Growing On Temperature 60 - 65° Fahrenheit

Holding Temperature 40 - 50° Fahrenheit

Pinching and Growth Regulators
Light prune when plant puts our new growth. Light pruning versus shearing will allow multiple prunes in one season without shutting down the plant.

Pest and Disease Management
Scale if grown in the field

Grower Tips
Compact pyramidal evergreen holly. Red winter berries. Use Castle Wall as pollinator. Prune to shape immediately after flowering. Likes high moisture, native to swampy and boggy areas. Adaptable to wet soils, does well in light and heavy soils. Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs. Follow the label for recommended rates of application. Protect from winter wind and sun in cold (Zone 5) climates. Must be planted near a pollinator like Castle Wall in order to produce berries. Protect from harsh winter winds and sun.